Tippecanoe County Public Library

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Research shows that children get ready to read years before they start school. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in developing early literacy skills in children beginning at birth.

Six early literacy skills to help children become successful readers are:

Narrative Skills: Being able to describe things and events, able to tell stories

Letter Knowledge: Learning that each letter is distinct and that each letter has its own name and unique sound.

Print Motivation:Being interested in, and enjoying, books.

Print Awareness: Noticing print, knowing how to handle a book and how to follow words on a page

Phonological Awareness: Being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words

Vocabulary:Knowing the names of things.

How can the library help?We have friendly staff and countless resources to help you get started. Storytime programs are offered for all ages from infants through preschool. Check our Program Calender for storytimes appropriate for you.

Every Child Ready to Read Workshops:

The following workshops are designed to give parents and caregivers tips on how to give young children a head start on a life of learning. Each of these workshops can be brought to your mom's group or to a Continuing Education class for caregivers. For more information please contact the Youth Department at 429-0119.

Early Talkers: Birth to Two-Year-Olds

A session for parents and caregivers with babies up to two years of age. Learn about book sharing with babies and what benchmarks to look for as your child grows.

Talkers: Two and Three-Year-Olds

A session aimed at adults with 2 & 3 year old children. Learn how to become active partners with your child in sharing books.

Pre-Readers: Four and Five-Year-Olds

A session for parents and caregivers of 4 & 5 year olds. Learn how to help your child understand the concepts of books and print using the "Say it Slow – Say it Fast" and "Letter Day" games.

Tips for Parents & Caregivers

Start reading to your child every day for at least 5 minutes.

Be a good example -- read newspapers, books, and magazines.

Tell your children stories. Later they can tell you stories.

Get a library card! TCPL has no age limits for library cards. Even brand new babies can get library cards!